Are you having trouble finding your favorite type of Christmas tree? A North American-wide shortage of Christmas trees is being reported and several factors have contributed to the shortfall.
While the 2008 recession was a long time ago it is a primary cause of the low supply. In 2008 and 2009, tree farmers planted fewer trees. Fraser firs and other Christmas-tree species take about 10 years to mature.
Challenging growing conditions and increasingly unpredictable weather due to climate change have also had a substantial effect on tree farm crops.
Sadly, many established Christmas tree farms who have been around for an average of 50 or 60 years, find the next generation isn’t interested in taking up the family business, and these farms are starting to close. New growers are taking over the locations and opting to plant less labor-intensive crops.
The demand for fresh Christmas trees has grown 20 percent per year since 2015 leaving Canadian Christmas tree suppliers struggling to meet substantially larger domestic and international orders.
In a recent interview Shirley Brennan, the executive director of the Canadian Christmas Tree Growers’ Association, said. “We can’t keep up with the demand,” Christmas tree farming increased from a $53 million industry in 2008 to a $100 million dollar industry in 2019 — something growers hadn’t predicted. Millennials and Generation Xers are more interested in real versus artificial. Overall there is a stronger demand for natural products, that can be composted.”
Fortunately, with some flexibility and creativity, you can still have an attractive tree in your home this year.
Purchase your tree early; even if you’re not ready to put it up it can stay wrapped in the garage or basement. Just make sure to keep it in a bucket of water to maintain freshness.
Be flexible in your choice of tree, start a new tradition with a different variety. Then consider putting it in a different part of the house such as a dining area or front hall.
You might not find that majestic and perfect ‘Instagram’ tree, but in fact, something shorter and rounder for a corner or smaller space can look just as attractive. Adding fresh boughs and wreaths will also lend themselves to a beautifully decorated home.
When you go to buy your Christmas tree be patient with the tree lot staff. Remember they want nothing more than for you and your family to go home with just the right tree.
Happy Holidays from Landscape Plus. We have Christmas tree lots in Strathmore, Langdon and Calgary’s TransCanada Centre.
403.934.4421 | landscape-plus.net | info@landscape-plus.net
